#ClassroomMath #prompt8
I used to go over the syllabus on the first day, including classroom expectations. However, I have come to realize that there is nothing in that information that can’t wait a day or two. Now I want the first day of math class to be fun. So I play games or do some sort of enjoyable, collaborative activity. I want to set the norm that students are going to work together, that wrong answers are just fine, that it is okay to not know the answer right away, and that it is imperative to learn from our peers.

#Prompt8 #ClassroomMath #MTBoS #FirstDay

Yipes! I report back tomorrow. Classes start Tuesday. So how will I start the first day? Definitely with #JoyfulMath . I think I am on the same wavelength as many of you here where we definitely want to jump right in.

In Algebra 2 we will start with 1-2 Nim, which parlays into discussion of problem solving techniques.

In Multivariable Calculus, we will start with playing a few games of Tri-Tac-Toe, determine the number of winning lines for a 3x3x3, 4x4x4, 5x5x5, and nxnxn size board. I think this will lead nicely into equations of planes in our first chapter.

I always like to start with games. Its low pressure, puts students in a good mood, and breaks the ice. And since the games are math related, its easy to tie them in to the class as a whole.

#classroommath #prompt8
Kids who have never liked math sense that this year will be different when they come into the room. Kids for whom math has always come easily need to be challenged on day 1. I get learners placed into random groups and we start working at the white boards. Students come dragassing into class bored stiff from all the rules and sitting and syllabuses that have filled their day to this point. They must be challenged and they must find success on the #FirstDay. Day 1-do math.

#FirstDay #ClassroomMath #prompt8

I feel like I don't have a consistent thing I do on the first day of classes. But I do remember taking an idea from Howie Hua years ago about him treating the first day like a "New Years Celebration" because it is the start of a new years for us! So that's been a regular go-to for me! I blogged about it here, and it also includes a card-sort that I used to get kids to work collaboratively to find who was going to be in their first group (I keep groups together for many days): https://samjshah.com/2018/09/09/my-first-day-2018-edition/

Usually, at the start of the first day I do like start jumping right into math--but I make sure to have a problem that is enticing and collaborative and related to the first unit. I just want to set the tone of what I value.

Here is another blogpost I found about how I started classes in 2013:
https://samjshah.com/2013/09/11/first-day-3/

#FirstDay #ClassroomMath #prompt8

Okay, so we’re almost in August. No matter where you are, this is the official wakeup month for school existing and us going back into that building. Yup! Like an ostrich, I try to keep my head buried, but I always have that pull… start getting your act together, kiddo! Figure the basics out. At least have a plan set for the first day!

So the question for you is: paint a picture of what happens on your first day of class (or part of your class)? Do you dive right into content, saving syllabus and structures for later? Do you set norms? Do you do something to begin to create community? What do you do?! Bonus points for any and all resources related to what you do -- so we can copy!

Tag your post with #FirstDay #ClassroomMath #prompt8

#FirstDay #ClassroomMath #prompt8

Okay, so we’re almost in August. No matter where you are (if you’re in the US), this is the official wakeup month for school existing and us going back into that building. Yup! Like an ostrich, I try to keep my head buried, but I always have that pull… "start getting your act together, kiddo! Figure the basics out. At least have a plan set for the first day!"

So the question for you is: paint a picture of what happens on your first day of class (or part of your class)? Do you dive right into content, saving syllabus and structures for later? Do you set norms? Do you do something to begin to create community? What do you do?! Bonus points for any and all resources related to what you do -- so we can copy!

Tag your post with #FirstDay #ClassroomMath #prompt8

If you're wondering what these prompts are about, here's more info: https://samjshah.com/2023/07/04/lets-get-mathstodoning-together/